The Development and Pilot Testing of the ¡Haz Espacio Para Papi! Program Physical Activity Curriculum for Mexican-heritage Fathers and Children

ABSTRACT

Background: Physical activity (PA) is linked to many health benefits. However, many children and adults do not meet PA recommendations. Specifically, Mexican-heritage (MH) families are less physically active and at greater risk for obesity and related co-morbidities than the general population. Culturally-tailored programs are needed to support MH families in healthy PA behaviors.

Purpose: This article describes creation and pilot testing of ¡Haz Espacio para Papi! (Make Room for Daddy!), a PA curriculum tailored for MH families.

Methods: Academic-based and promotora-researchers developed a six-week curriculum including weekly interactive lessons provided on weekends and take-home challenges focused on father-child co-participation in light-to-moderate PA. Participating families consisted of child (aged 9–11), mother, and father. Weekly telephone calls were placed to adult participants to secure qualitative evaluation data.

Results: Most families reported trying program activities at home between sessions. Families reported spending time together as the most valuable part of the program, specifically engaging in father/child activities. Very few families reported suggestions to change program.

Discussion: Positive responses by families speak to the success of culturally and contextually tailoring this curriculum to MH families.

Translation to Health Education Practice: This curriculum provides evidence of a culturally and contextually tailored program for MH families.

Acknowledgments

We would like to acknowledge the work, dedication, and expertise provided by of our Promotora-Researchers throughout this study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Supplementary material

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed on the publisher’s website.

Additional information

Funding

This study was made possible by Famlias Saludables supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, US Department of Agriculture, under award #2015-68001-23234.